Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) has issued a warning to travellers about expected border chaos and heavy cross-Channel travel this bank holiday weekend. Eurotunnel and Dover ferry operators have confirmed extremely high demand from Friday to Sunday, 27-29 May, with turn-up-and-go tickets completely sold out for this busy period.
The surge in travel is set to continue into the following week, with bookings remaining heavy for Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 June as the nation prepares to celebrate The Queen’s 70-year public service milestone during the four-day Platinum Jubilee bank holiday. This extended break is expected to place even more pressure on Kent’s cross-Channel routes.
Among those travelling are Liverpool FC fans heading to the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday. These fans have secured their ferry and Eurotunnel spots through early coordination between the football club, travel operators, and KRF partners.
Kent’s roads are already experiencing congestion due to a combination of local traffic, visitors, and freight vehicles. The situation has been exacerbated by reduced P&O ferry capacity at Dover, which has necessitated the use of Operation Brock since April to manage lorry queues on the M20 motorway.
Additional traffic controls are in place at Brenley Corner, Faversham, where EU-bound heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are redirected from the M2 back onto the M20 to prevent freight gridlock in Dover town. To help ease traffic flow for both locals and tourists, National Highways has lifted single-lane restrictions on the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road in Ashford until 6 June.
Kent Resilience Forum Tactical Lead Toby Howe advised travellers to plan ahead, stating: “This weekend and the eve of the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday will be very busy on Kent’s cross-Channel routes. People should be prepared.”
He urged everyone to stay updated with traffic information to avoid delays and disruptions during this exceptionally busy travel period.
Originally published by UKNIP.
